Memphis & Saqqara

Memphis was the capital of Egypt around 3100 BC. In Memphis you must see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the gorgeous Alabaster Sphinx from the new kingdom as well as other artifacts.

Close to Memphis is Saqqara, the home of the Stepped Pyramid of Zoser which is the earliest successful attempt at building a pyramid (it predates the Great Pyramid by over 200 years). Unlike its later counterparts it does not have sloping sides, but 6 steps as one level was built on top of the other and was the first tomb built from stone. Some of the limestone facing blocks remain on this monumental structure and the funerary complex including the colonnade has been partially restored. Previously the pharaohs were buried in underground tombs called Mastaba. The pyramid was an attempt at a more secure tomb.